Sunday, February 5, 2012

But, it's something like that. More like, "You've come a long way baby!"

In 2006, I raced a bike my bike for the first time. In that same year, I bought a track bike and was addicted. My obsession with this new sport was supported by my husband to the point that we planned our next year's vacation to go watch Track World Championships in Mallorca, Spain.

So, in March of 2007, Greg and I rented an apartment in Mallorca. The week consisted of riding our bikes all over the island by day and watching the highest level of track racing by night. I learned events' names, USA riders' names, and the passion that fans have for this sport.

A photo of me at the velodrome in Mallorca.

A view of Mallorca's blue skies, white sand, and translucent water.

My first year on a "racing" team- America's Dairyland. One of our many beautiful rides in Mallorca.

Fast forward 5 years and I'm here in Mallorca again. This time, I am with USA Cycling at a training camp leading into the World Cup in London... the Olympic test event. Mallorca with a different view. Now I am riding with the stopwatch watching my every move. This time I'm more concerned about my next recovery drink then I am my next bottle of local wine. My friends and teammates are some of the same people I cheered for in 2007 just because they wore the USA Stars and Stripes.

Mallorca Velodrome 2012... from the inside.

Not the same weather I experienced in 2007. This snowy day was supposed to be the one day this week we would enjoy an outdoor road ride. They say it hasn't snowed here in 20+ years. Lucky us!

I don't know where this journey will take me. I wouldn't have imagined it would take me back to Mallorca under these circumstances. Wherever I end up, it has been worth it.

P.S. I have been here for a week and will be here about a week more. This is the first real internet I have had. If all goes well, check back from updates and more pictures.